Apple is planning to expand its eSIM-only strategy to more countries with the release of the iPhone 17 Air, according to The Information. eSIM technology, which is already standard in iPhones sold in the U.S., could soon become global.
The iPhone 17 Air: A Sleek, Ultra-Thin Design
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be one of Apple’s thinnest phones ever. Prototypes suggest it will be just 5 to 6 millimeters thick. This is much slimmer than the iPhone 16, which measures 7.8 mm. If true, the iPhone 17 Air could rival the iPhone 6, which was 6.9 mm thick.
However, this ultra-thin design has created engineering challenges. Apple engineers are struggling to fit key components like the battery and thermal materials into such a compact frame. Reports suggest the device may also have only one speaker, instead of the two found on most current iPhones.
The camera design will also change. The iPhone 17 Air will likely feature a single rear camera in a large, centered bump. This is different from the dual- and triple-camera systems seen in recent models.
Apple’s In-House 5G Modem
The iPhone 17 Air might also introduce Apple’s own 5G modem. This modem will be more power-efficient than current chips. However, it is reportedly slower and lacks support for mmWave 5G. This could limit its performance in areas where mmWave is in use for faster speeds.
The Push for eSIM Technology
Apple has been promoting eSIM as a secure and convenient alternative to physical SIM cards. Unlike physical SIMs, eSIMs cannot be removed if a phone is lost or stolen. They also allow users to manage multiple numbers on a single device.
Still, this shift may face challenges. For example, China requires phones to have physical SIM trays due to its real-name registration system. If Apple cannot secure approval for eSIMs in China, the iPhone 17 Air’s launch there could be delayed.
What’s Next?
The iPhone 17 Air is currently in early production trials at Foxconn. It has reached the “proto-2” phase, with the final design expected by mid-2025. The device will launch next fall, but regulatory issues could affect its release in key markets like China.
Apple’s push for a thinner, eSIM-only iPhone is ambitious. The success of the iPhone 17 Air will depend on how well it balances cutting-edge technology with practical challenges.
